feeling guilty about talking about SH

[moonfacechild]

I really struggle with being open with talking about self harm - even with my best friend who I live with and have known for 10 years. When I have the urge to self harm I never think 'oh I should talk to my best friend before I do this' because I feel like it is way too much to put on her. She knows that I self harm and really wants me to be more open with her but I would rather her not know that I have done it and try to hide it as best as I can. However I feel that sometimes it would probably help to talk but she definitely acts more sad when she sees my scars or cuts that I think it just makes her feel worse, I just don't know.

[Sooty]

Have you ever thought about a traffic light system? Perhaps on your bedroom door you could pop a stick a red / amber / green card on there to show your friend how you are feeling. Red meaning that you'd quite like to talk with her but don't feel like you can make that first step. Sometimes having a system like that helps break the ice.

Sophie.x

[MyLastKiss]

That's really a good idea Sophie. I also see moonfacechild's point. Even if friends say that it's ok to talk, not everybody can really take it. The closer they are the worse on handle it in my experience. Professionals have the advantage of being trained and getting paid for it. Have you any pro to talk with, moonface?